Heroica RPG - Heroica Hall

[The Legonater]

I roll my eyes, and look down at my upgraded crossbow.

Man, this thing is bigger than I am.

[Scubacarrot]

"That's not saying much, runt." Guts winks.

The Alchemist also puts up a notice on the Questboard:

LOOKING FOR GOOD QUALITY AXE

Must be sufficient for all chopping needs, logs, limbs etc.

Contact Guts Holla.

[StickFig]

Matthias finishes his cider and gets up to check the quest board. He's not terribly surprised to see that he wasn't chosen for a quest; with each party only needing three and the abundance of Heroicans in the room, his chances were slim. He does notice a note from Holla, seeking an axe, which the alchemist has tacked right on top of Matthias' own For Sale ad, so he glances around the room. Spotting his target, he marches up to the table and attempts to slam Magnar's Unreasonably Cruel Axe (WP:12, deals Bleeding -3, axe) into the table. Unfortunately, it's too big for him, and he drops it rather unceremoniously onto the floor, but picks it up undeterred and sets it more carefully in front of Holla. "Master Guts, I believe you might be interested in this axe. 150 gold is my price. What do you say?"

[Flipz]

Seeing that he had been chosen, and as leader as well, Arthur nods. We are in for a strenuous journey, Miirym, he thinks to himself, as well as to the draconic creature currently cuddled inside his cloak.

The little dragon yawns, disturbed from her slumber. <Why?>

The mantle of leadership is difficult to bear, the Dragoon replies mentally.

<But I like this cloak!> Miirym complains, squeaking softly in her indignation. Arthur chuckles and pats her head, assuring her he was not planning on replacing her new favorite thing about him. Ensuring the Dragon is secure in her place, he begins to walk toward the doors, only for her to climb around and try to perch on his helmet. The Dragoon stops moving, not wanting to risk accidentally shaking her off. Miirym trills contentedly, and the ex-Skirmisher takes that as his cue to keep moving...only to overhear a particularly interesting bit of conversation from a certain Monk. He quickly scrawls a note, then approaches the Artisan and taps him on the shoulder.

Dear Monk Pretzel

I understand you can offer a 15% discount on the price of weapon upgrades? If so, I wish to upgrade these three spears to WP:10, for 255 Gold total, if that is acceptable.

Signed,

A friend of Arthur's

In his other hand, the Dragoon holds his Metasimian Dory, Dauntlet Index, and Spider Leg spears, along with the aforementioned 255 gold, which he jingles slightly.

[The Legonater]

Hey, Matthias, haven't seen you since Baltarok. Seems you've taken pretty good care of yourself.

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen sashays into the hall. Normally an understated presence, her new shimmering light blue dress, fitted to her slim but feminine figue cannot help but draw glances from all. Her face, which previously was stern is sunny and open and her voice now carried a different timbre

Hello all! Stars shine on our meeting!

Edited November 17, 2014 by Chromeknight

[The Chosen Minifigure]

Warlen looked at the Board.

"Ha!" he exclaimed.

He turned to Germ and said goodbye, before marching off to check if he needs anything at the store.

[Flipz]

While he waits for a response from Pretzel, Arthur also hands a note to Guts:

Dear Mr. Holla,

I have heard that you have been an excellent friend and ally to one Arthur Regulus. As a show of gratitude on his behalf, I wish to purchase my consumable goods directly from you, so that the profits are yours rather than a stranger's. If you are willing, I would like 8 Grand Potions and 2 Remedies, and here is 100 Gold as payment.

Signed,

A friend of Arthur's

[Scubacarrot]

Matthias finishes his cider and gets up to check the quest board. He's not terribly surprised to see that he wasn't chosen for a quest; with each party only needing three and the abundance of Heroicans in the room, his chances were slim. He does notice a note from Holla, seeking an axe, which the alchemist has tacked right on top of Matthias' own For Sale ad, so he glances around the room. Spotting his target, he marches up to the table and attempts to slam Magnar's Unreasonably Cruel Axe (WP:12, deals Bleeding -3, axe) into the table. Unfortunately, it's too big for him, and he drops it rather unceremoniously onto the floor, but picks it up undeterred and sets it more carefully in front of Holla. "Master Guts, I believe you might be interested in this axe. 150 gold is my price. What do you say?"

"Hmmm. Hmmm. I see. I'm not sure it is what I'm after, to be honest. How would it fare against a charging bull, you think?"

While he waits for a response from Pretzel, Arthur also hands a note to Guts:

Guts looks in confusion from the note to Arthur and back, decides it's best not question those confused with themselves, and hands Arthur the items.

The former raider sits back as he waits for his business to continue, but something causes him to pause. He distractedly throws 150 gold at Matthias for the axe and gets up. The alchemist stops in front of a figure in a blue dress, glittering with sparkles. Guts clears his throat, and speaks, in a voice a bit different than usual:

"Stars are shining indeed, for causing us two to meet. New here? I'm Guts, but don't let the name scare you. What's your name, beautiful princess?"

[Chromeknight]

Nerwen smiles a radiant smile. She touches Guts lightly on the arm and leans in closer, saying softly,

My gallant cam'wethrin. Surely I have not changed that much. I do sound different, true but it is me, lifting her longer hair to show a furled pointed ear, and we both know I am not so new here. She laughs a gentle chuckling laugh and steps back, spinning once around, saying Look again and see.

[Endgame]

After many moons of absence, I walk back into the hall, a cane in one hand. It clacks along as I walk to my typical post, step by step - my stature was still tall and dignified, but the presence of the walking stick told the true story. My hood still removed and my other arm bandaged and medicated, I sit down.

"Take bed rest for a few months and everything changes..." I audibly note.

Edited November 17, 2014 by Endgame

[StickFig]

Hey, Matthias, haven't seen you since Baltarok. Seems you've taken pretty good care of yourself.

He distractedly throws 150 gold at Matthias for the axe and gets up.... "What's your name, beautiful princess?"

Matthias has hardly opened his mouth to reply to Rone as Holla considers the axe when Calmcacil enters, turning every head at the table. The gnome lets out a low, appreciative whistle, and accepts the bag of gold, then turns back to Rone.

"I am well, Master Dyric," the gnome says, "but I am weary of humanity - of our layered morality, good and evil overshadowed by friendship, kinship, alliance, and duty." Looking towards the bar, he shakes his head. "That talk is too heavy - can I get you something to drink, and savor the good that is fellowship for now?"

[Palathadric]

In his other hand, the Dragoon holds his Metasimian Dory, Dauntlet Index, and Spider Leg spears, along with the aforementioned 255 gold, which he jingles slightly.

"What's the matter? Can't speak? I prefer communicating verbally than through written notes. At least I can tell from you're eyes that you're not some abomination using Arthur's name to get a discount."

I accept the 255 gold and the weapons, still puzzling over the figure.

How could a hero he had never met before be a Dragoon already? Arthur also had spoken of his love for dragons...

"Meh!"

"Hm. I'll let you know, there should be a way we can both benefit with that perk of yours, surely."

I nod.

"Certainly. Pray tell, how have your mixtures been turning out of late. Produced any really fascinating items?"

Returning to the hall from the Marketplace, I hand the three spears to Arthur.

"Have you heard from Tarn recently?" I query casually to see his reaction, before admiring his little companion.

[Scubacarrot]

Nerwen smiles a radiant smile. She touches Guts lightly on the arm and leans in closer, saying softly,

My gallant cam'wethrin. Surely I have not changed that much. I do sound different, true but it is me, lifting her longer hair to show a furled pointed ear, and we both know I am not so new here. She laughs a gentle chuckling laugh and steps back, spinning once around, saying Look again and see.

"You... Nerwen... This is.. You look very different actually.. Right, Nerwen. My, You. You look good, as I said. Hm. Uhm, there's is this thing they do every year around this time of Fall, in Triad park, there is music, food, and things like that... Would you like to go, could be a good diversion, there's no quests around anyway."

[Chromeknight]

Without breaking her conversation with Guts, Nerwen blows a kiss at Matthias sitting at the bar.

Speaking to the tonguetied alchemist, she says.

I'd love to. We've both changed so much since we last parted. But let's not dwell on the past, let's enjoy the music and food and... her voice dropping to a husky whisper ...things like that.

[StickFig]

Catching the pretty elf's blown kiss from the corner of his eye, Matthias doesn't wait for Rone to answer, but heads to the bar, returning with a cider for himself and an ale for the assassin. "Lady Nerwen is very fetching in that dress, don't you think?"

[The Legonater]

Dyric waves at the woman-who-looks-like-Nerwen, wondering who she is and what she's done with the real Nerwen.

"I am well, Master Dyric," the gnome says, "but I am weary of humanity - of our layered morality, good and evil overshadowed by friendship, kinship, alliance, and duty." Looking towards the bar, he shakes his head. "That talk is too heavy - can I get you something to drink, and savor the good that is fellowship for now?"

I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel the same. So yes, let's drink, to fellowship!

[StickFig]

Matthias slams his tankard against Rone's, sloshing a bit of cider out, and drains the rest.

[The Legonater]

Dyric drained his tankard heartily, and slammed it back against the table. It felt good to just relax for once. He should do this more often.

So that's a pretty impressive weapon you've got there, Matthias. Can't say I've seen anything quite like it in the Hall.

[StickFig]

Polishing an imagined dust mite off a particularly bright bit of green enamel, Matthias admires the Extraordinaire with Rone. "She sure is one-of-a-kind, isn't she? I had an engineer from the Tritech Corporation fix her up this week."

Sitting back for a moment, the date dawns on Matthias. "Hey, it's my birthday! Everyone have a drink on me!" he exclaims, laughing at his own joke.

[The Legonater]

Rone whistles at the Extaordinaire. I recently picked up quite the beaut myself. I show Matthias the Crossbow of Incessant Warmongerers. It's practically the size of me.

Speaking of crossbows, do you need one? I can part with the second one I picked up if you want.

[StickFig]

It's Matthias' turn to whistle as Rone pulls out the big crossbow. Where did he have that thing hidden? the gnome wonders, still thinking of 'amerspace bags. "I suppose I could give you 40 gold for the Pongcanis Crossbow, if you're looking to get rid of it."

[The Legonater]

That seems like a pretty good price. Pleasure doing business with you.

[StickFig]

Matthias hands Rone 40 gold and accepts the Pongcanis Crossbow. "Thanks, Master Dyric!"

The gnome heads to the bar and grabs another ale.

[StickFig]

...

Matthias blinks and rubs his eyes, no idea how long he's been out. Crawling out from under the table, he's thankful that the Hall is quiet and not many Heroes are around to see him dust himself off. The last drink he remembers having - a tall glass of something lemony sweet - is still on the table he's just come out from under, but the various pitchers and tankards of ale, wine, and cider that preceded it are gone from the table, and mostly gone from the gnome's memory. Checking his things, Matthias discovers a crossbow he vaguely remembers buying as a birthday present to himself, but he's relieved that his purse is still weighty. Stumbling past the bar, he pauses long enough for the greenskin mistress to hand him something she calls a 'vladimir' - "Hair of the warg, dearie," she says - and he heads off to find a better place to sleep.